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Sunday, 6 October 2013

The Week Around The World In Photos (Vol. 5)

Natural beauty is always mesmerising. If we need recouping of energy and inspiration, we're often advised to retreat to the mountains or the sea, or even just sit in a park and look at the trees and smell the grass. I can hear you drawing a deep breath just thinking of that.

This week, I gathered some pictures which most would be delighted to see or experience at the end of a stressful work week perhaps, or upon a wishful-thinking-wild-card windfall that allows you to drop whatever you're doing, jump in the car, or book a hotel close to these beauties or some place similar.

PA for Metro

Off the coast of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, England are a man and a woman looking out into the sea. The Couple, as they are known, are bronze statues created by British sculptor Sean Henry who's known for fusing ceramics with sculptures for a polychromaticart.

At the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, 4million gallons of water were fused together to create a 20ft (6m) Ice Castle. It was closed on 9 March 2013 due to heavy downpours in Minnesota, and will re-open in January 2014. On the last opening day, the organisers gave away complimentary hot chocolate and freshly baked mini donuts for each guest.

For more info and updates, check out the attraction's Facebook page here.

AP for Metro

Aaahh...what a spectacular sight of the Northern Lights in Talkeetna, Alaska. Apparently the aurora borealis is the only reason that could drag Alaskans out in the dead of winter without a coat.

AP for Metro

What is it with sunsets by the sea that automatically turns on anybody's reflective mode? The cinematic effect draws us to close our eyes, raise our head and breathe in the sea. This sunset at the coast of Acadia National Park in Maine is so picturesque it could pass for a mural as opposed to being lifelike.

I went on the official website of the park to find out more about it, but due to the US Federal government shutdown, this was what I got.

I'm sure you've come across it--that quintessential yoga pose of a woman stretching out in a Virabhadrasana IIIpose or Natarajasana with the sun setting in the background. I have tried al fresco Body Balance and these yoga standing positions brought out a slightly more spiritual sense because of the commune with nature.

Reuters for Metro

Along the shores of the English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia, a woman does the Vrksasanaor tree pose with more outstretched arms.

This last photo reminds me of a scene in the movie 'The Gladiator' where Maximus, played by Russel Crowe, was walking through a wheat field in his dreams, signifying his homecoming.

Reuters for Metro

Fields of gold. A man brushes his hand against wheat in El-Menoufia, Egypt.

And so photos have got me going places again while lounging in my sofa. I even managed to do yoga. Not bad. Not bad at all.Have a good week everyone!

There is something incredibly beautiful about a sunset at the beach....tide permitting, I try and walk my dog then. I think the Ice Castle is incredible, and who can say no to hot chocolate and donuts?

Stunning images. Yes, the Northern Lights are quite beautiful to see in-person. I really love the image of the couple in Northumberland. I enjoy walking along the beach, even doing a good workout there too makes my day. Thanks for this lovely piece of inspiration. xx/Madison

Going through these images has reminded me of two things: 1) to think about booking another beach holiday 2) to book myself my first yoga class - I've always wanted to try it, but never plucked up the courage, patience or time to do it. How amazing it would be to do it in front of a sunset rather than the local church hall!

I think you have missed off a picture........a shopping centre lol. Although your images would send me in to a moment of tranquil if I was there, I do believe me standing in Selfridges with a few bags in my hand would offer the same level of revitalisation, for me anyway hee hee xx

Hahahaha! The image of doing yoga in a local church hall is not my thing also, but of course, we all know that lack of space in England drives the yoga practitioners to stretch with the statues of saints. Next time, I'll include a shopping centre for a laugh! Selfridges is your inner sanctum baby. We shall all go in, kneel and pray to the Louboutins :DHave a a great week too! x

You seem to have names for everything in America, so from now, I'll call it armhair travels as well. But because most of this surfing is done at work (hush...), I'll also call it 'swivel chair travels' :D Have a good week Rhona! x

THE NUTTER BEHIND THIS IS. . .

Unravelling life when not dozing off during my train ride...
A book-sniffing pessoptimist restrained thinking introvert (those Facebook-sponsored personality tests can get quite addictive), I'm happy to engineer things in the background to avoid the limelight. I love lakes, rivers, G&T, and independent magazines. I went from aspiring to be a majorette when I was little to a forensic pathologist when I realised that white knee-high boots aren't chic. Sunrise, sunset, dawn and midnight, horror flicks, crime TV shows, libraries, museums, new books, black roll neck, jasmine green tea, dry shampoo, dancing, full moon, wintry beaches, mountain views, history, black and white photos, chandeliers, silence, alone time, red lipstick: these are a few of my favourite things.